Artichokes with Balsamic Vinaigrette

From EatingWell: March/April 1994 — Subscribe Now!

Dipping artichoke leaves one by one into balsamic vinaigrette until you reach the meaty heart is a leisurely way to begin a meal.

Artichokes with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

4 servings

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1 lemon
3 quarts water plus 1 tablespoon water, divided
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 sprigs fresh parsley
2 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons salt
4 medium artichokes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

Cut lemon in half. Slice 1 half and reserve the other half for rubbing over artichokes. Place 3 quarts water, wine, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, salt and the lemon slices in a large pot. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, pull off the short tough outer leaves of each artichoke. Cut off the top 1/2 inch of the artichoke. Using scissors, trim off the sharp points of the remaining leaves. Rub the whole artichoke, especially the cut portions, with the cut side of the lemon half.
Add the artichokes to the pot and simmer, covered, until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain, discarding lemon slices and herbs, and let cool slightly.
Whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the artichokes with the vinaigrette for dipping.

Nutrition

Per serving: 95 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 7 g fiber; 525 mg sodium; 480 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (25% daily value), Folate (22% dv), Magnesium (19% dv).

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 fat